How to Officiate a Wedding in New Castle County, Delaware
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Instant certificate. Valid for life. Legally recognized in Delaware.
Get Ordained NowNew Castle County by the Numbers
- Population
- 578,592
- Since 2020
- +1.3%
- Households
- 224,173
- Median Age
- 39.3
- Median Household Income
- $91,166
- Weddings / Year (est.)
- ≈ 2,700
- Same-Sex Couple Households
- 2,083
Best months for an outdoor ceremony here: May, June & September (avg 68°F) · golden hour in June: ~7:31 PM–8:31 PM
Scenic settings for a ceremony: Deemers Beach, Lums Pond & Artificial Island
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2023 Population Estimates, ACS 5-year estimates & 2020 Census. Wedding estimate: population × Delaware's 2023 CDC marriage rate. Ceremony months: NOAA county climate normals, 1995–2024. Places: USGS Geographic Names Information System. Photos: Wikimedia Commons (click a photo for credit & license). Golden hour: computed for the county seat, mid-month.
Same-sex couples have married legally in Delaware since 2013. The story of marriage equality in Delaware →
Eloping in New Castle County?
Plan ahead24 hours waiting period after getting the license · 2 witnesses must sign
Officiant Requirements
✓
Online ordination accepted
⚠
Registration required
Documents typically requested:
- Ordination certificate
- Photo ID
Delaware requires registration with the Recorder of Deeds. Contact the county office to confirm requirements.
Delaware State Law
Delaware allows ordained ministers and clergy to perform marriages without prior registration.
Delaware Code Title 13 § 106Marriage License Info
Verified- Waiting Period
- 24 hours
- License Valid For
- 30 days
- Witnesses Required
- 2
- Blood Test Required
- No
County Clerk Contact
New Castle County Clerk of the Peace
800 N. French Street, Second Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801
Get directions →Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Visit website →Step-by-Step Guide
1
Get Ordained
Get ordained online through the Church of Pride for $20. Your ordination is instant, valid for life, and recognized under First Amendment protections. Confirm local requirements with the New Castle County County clerk before officiating.
2
Confirm Requirements
Call (302) 395-7780 and confirm that New Castle County accepts your online ordination. Ask about any documents you’ll need to present.
3
Prepare Your Documents
Have your ordination certificate, photo id ready for the ceremony and to present to the clerk if asked.
4
Perform the Ceremony
Officiate the wedding ceremony. Make sure both parties and any required witnesses sign the marriage license. Keep the tone personal and celebratory — this is their day.
5
Return the License
Return the signed marriage license before the deadline — confirm timing with the clerk’s office. This is a critical step — the marriage isn’t official until the license is filed.
Resources
New Castle County Officiant FAQ
Is online ordination accepted in New Castle County, Delaware?
Yes — New Castle County accepts online ordination for wedding officiants. Delaware requires registration with the Recorder of Deeds. Contact the county office to confirm requirements.
Do officiants need to register with New Castle County before the ceremony?
Yes. Register with the county clerk. Bring: Ordination certificate, Photo ID.
How many witnesses are required at a New Castle County wedding?
2 witnesses must sign the marriage license.
How do I contact the New Castle County clerk?
New Castle County Clerk of the Peace — 800 N. French Street, Second Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801 — phone (302) 395-7780 — hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
Other Delaware Counties
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Get Ordained — $20Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage laws change frequently and can vary by county. Always verify current requirements with the local county clerk's office before officiating any ceremony. Information was last reviewed 2026-02-20.